How to Grow Closer? 🙏

Hey everyone! I wanted to share a little bit about my own journey trying to figure out how to grow closer to God. It’s something I think many of us wrestle with, right? Sometimes I felt like my faith was stuck, and I longed to make it bigger and more impactful in my life. That's when I really started diving into different ways to study the Bible, and honestly, finding the right scriptures on growing closer to God became my mission. One of the most transformative things I discovered was using a bubble map, just like the one you might have seen! It truly helps visualize connections between verses and themes, making them so much clearer. For instance, when I was exploring what it means to 'STAY ROOTED TO CHRIST!' (John 15:5), mapping out related concepts like 'abiding' and 'bearing fruit' made the teaching come alive. Another powerful one that spoke to me was about prayer, and remembering to 'PRAY ABOUT IT!' (Daniel 2:17), which prompted me to jot down all the times prayer made a difference. Beyond those, if you're looking for more scriptures on growing closer to God, I always go back to James 4:8: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." It’s such a simple yet profound promise! Also, Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that "without faith it is impossible to please God." Focusing on these verses and meditating on them daily has been key for me. Another great one is Philippians 4:6-7, which teaches us to pray about everything and experience God's peace. Regularly reading and meditating on God's Word, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8, helps solidify those connections. Now, regarding specific verses like Matthew 7:6, which can sometimes feel a bit mysterious ("Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs..."), I've found that understanding its context is crucial. This verse, part of the Sermon on the Mount, is about discerning spiritual truth and exercising wisdom in sharing the Gospel. It’s not about judging people, but about recognizing when and how to share sacred truths appropriately. Grappling with verses like this, and seeking deeper understanding, is actually a huge part of making your faith bigger and more mature. It helps us grow in discernment and wisdom, which are vital for a closer walk with God. Finally, for those moments when you feel God calling you to something more, or you just want to say, "send me," remember that a deepened relationship often leads to a desire to serve. The prophet Isaiah declared, "Here I am. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). This powerful sentiment emerges when we’ve spent time drawing near to God, understanding His heart, and allowing His Word to transform us. It’s about being ready and willing to be used by Him, whatever that looks like in your life. Whether it’s serving a friend, volunteering, or simply being a light in your everyday interactions, that readiness comes from truly being rooted in Christ and letting your faith expand. Keep using those bubble maps and keep digging into the Word – it truly makes a difference!